Obama cheers on 'fearless students' of Parkland - CNN Politics

Obama cheers on 'fearless students' of Parkland

CNN Digital Expansion DC Allie Malloy

By Allie Malloy, CNN

Updated 1914 GMT (0314 HKT) February 22, 2018

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Source: CNN

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Washington (CNN)Former President Barack Obama voiced his support Thursday for the "fearless students" of Parkland, Florida, telling them, "we've got your backs."

Obama said on Twitter that it was "inspiring" to watch the young adults "standing up for their right to be safe; marching and organizing to remake the world as it should be."

The former president added, "We've been waiting for you. And we've got your backs."

@BarackObama

Young people have helped lead all our great movements. How inspiring to see it again in so many smart, fearless students standing up for their right to be safe; marching and organizing to remake the world as it should be. We've been waiting for you. And we've got your backs.

3:00 AM - Feb 23, 2018

Last week, following the shooting that left 17 dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Obama called for legislative action on gun control, saying it's "long overdue."

"We are grieving with Parkland. But we are not powerless," the 44th President tweeted. "Caring for our kids is our first job. And until we can honestly say that we're doing enough to keep them safe from harm, including long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws that most Americans want, then we have to change."

@BarackObama

Young people have helped lead all our great movements. How inspiring to see it again in so many smart, fearless students standing up for their right to be safe; marching and organizing to remake the world as it should be. We've been waiting for you. And we've got your backs.

3:00 AM - Feb 23, 2018

On Wednesday, former first lady Michelle Obama also tweeted her support for the students, saying she was "in total awe."

"Like every movement for progress in our history, gun reform will take unyielding courage and endurance. But @BarackObama and I believe in you, we're proud of you, and we're behind you every step of the way," the former first lady tweeted.

@MichelleObama

I’m in total awe of the extraordinary students in Florida. Like every movement for progress in our history, gun reform will take unyielding courage and endurance. But @barackobama and I believe in you, we’re proud of you, and we’re behind you every step of the way.

12:24 PM - Feb 22, 2018